Easy Shower Repairs You Can Do

For most people, the shower is a special sanctuary. Though its main purpose is for washing your body, it is often used as a place to think, recharge, and escape. When your shower is not in proper working condition, it can ruin your whole day. After all, there is nothing more disappointing than experiencing low water pressure, extremely hot or cold water, or stepping out of the shower just to step into a pool of water because it’s leaking.

Fortunately, there are many repairs that you can easily make on your own that do not require the help of a professional. When the problem goes beyond your comfort level or ability, it is important to work with an experienced home contractor that can fix your issues quickly and affordably. Learn more about easy shower repairs that you can do below.

Showerhead repairs are relatively easy to fix. If you are experiencing a lack of water pressure, the first place to look is your shower head. In many cases, it is due to a build-up of lime deposits that are clogging the spray holes. This can be easily remedied by removing the shower head and letting it soak in white vinegar and hot water. If this does not work, it may be time to replace it. This can be easily accomplished using a wrench. They can be purchased at most department or home improvement stores.

Taking a shower with low water pressure can be unfulfilling (to say the least). If you have already cleared and/or replaced your showerhead, the issue could be with the main water valve. It is possible that a previous tenant, owner, or contractor turned the water pressure down in the past. There is typically a shut-off valve that controls the flow of water. One of those valves will allow you to increase or decrease the pressure.

If a valve is an issue, you will usually experience low water pressure in other parts of your house as well as the shower. Ensure that you are turning the right one. If it is the curbside valve, you will need to contact a professional to handle it.

If your shower water turns scalding hot or freezing cold when someone else flushes the toilet, is washing clothes, using the dishwasher, etc. then you have two options. You can either set a strict shower schedule in which your family agrees to not use other water-using appliances during this time, or you can make the choice to install a pressure-balancing valve. The latter choice is not a simple fix. You may need to work with a professional if you do not have the expertise and confidence to install it yourself.

Issues beyond fixing a showerhead, turning a valve, or caulking your shower can easily be accomplished by watching a video online or reading a blog post. However, there are other issues that will require the services of home care contractors that are experienced with the intricacies of plumbing. It is important to not take on shower repairs that you are not comfortable with or knowledgeable of. In some cases, it can worsen the issue and lead to a much higher repair bill than you would have initially faced by calling a contractor to fix your shower issues.

Published in: Home advice | Author: Mareks